[whatisthishere]

Hey people,

I had this job interview two days ago and well I usually get nervous about that stuff a little but this time it wasn't that bad. The thing with me is that I don't like to dress up too much I am more of a nice shoes, nice pants, white t shirt kind of guy at least when it comes to interviews. But I never actually just wore what I wanted wear. I always just conformed with nice shoes, nice pants, nice long sleeve presentable shirt etc. Well, I never feel comfortable with a long sleeve shirt for 1) because thats not me 2) thats conforming to something that makes me feel uncomfortable and thats just not healthy 3) for some reason the long sleeve shirt effects how i act probably because I fell uncomfortable, who knows?

So, I thought well I am just going to wear a white t-shirt,nice pants, nice shoes so i feel more comfortable in order for me to express myself better because for some reason a long sleeve shirt restricts me from expressing myself like I would like and I don't know why. So I wore what I wanted to wear and it was an awesome interview! I was cool calm and collected, I was presentable, held good conversations and stayed with the flow of social standards like a pro. haha
I got a call today for a second interview and I thought well this is what I should have done all along. I decided to wear the same type of clothes except this time with a short-sleeve button shirt you know steppin it up. Well, for some reason the shirt made me feel uncomfortable so I was thinking what in the world man? your not wearing a long sleeve shirt just take easy. Interview starts and then bam! I was uncomfortable and not that cool, calm and collected guy with just a t shirt. I was lacking in flowing with conversation and failed to pick up on social indicators etc. So, it didn't go so well for me but I guess I will see if they call back. As soon as got to my car I took off the button shirt and all the crap went away. I thought man I just need to do what is best for me and stop doing things for other people that make me feel uncomfortable.

I really don't know why this happens. What do you guys think?

[CANDC]

It depends what type of job you are applying for. If you are dressing in an appropriate way for the job you are going to do, that might be acceptable.

Here are articles on how our moods can be affected by attire.
Psych Central - Search results for How clothes affect our moods

[whatisthishere]

So if I get an interview for a lawers position and just wear nice shoes, pants and a t shirt. Shouldnt that be good enough?

[CosmicRose]

A shirt is a shirt. It's still YOUR shirt - its not like its a uniform or something. Its a shirt. I think you need to really understand that the shirt has absolutely no barring either way. Go shopping and try on different professional shirts. If someone shows up to a (lawyer's) interview or any interview at all wearing a tshirt, that's not very professional. Considering other people who interview for the same job will be wearing suits and ties. It may come across as you not caring a lot about getting the job and being "too casual" which subconsciously makes people feel like you wouldn't take the job seriously. Have you considered pairing the tshirt with a nice professional vest? Again, realize that its just a shirt, it doesn't have control or power over you, you're the one creating these little barriers in your way, not the shirt.

[OliverRaw]

When a was applying for a job in a law firm (not as a lawyer) I dressed up all good and felt quite comfy and confident. But the thing is not about me.
After an interview I asked my potential employer, how is the situation with dress-code. She told me, that there is no strict rules for dressing up in their company. However, she told, that once a girl came for a lawyer vacancy, but she had some green skirt and purple socks. My employer said that her look was the only reason she didn't hire her.
So, I think, that unless its some bright strange colors, your clothes would not affect the decision)
And if You feel confident in a white T, than dress that way for every job interview)

[hvert]

I was at a lawyer's office the other day and the admin had tattooed feet. That was not what I expected to see!

Do you think if you wore button up shirts more often, you would eventually feel comfortable in them too?